Ralph Banwarth

Ralph C. Banwarth, age 86, of Royal Oak for over 50 years, died Thursday, July 24, 2008 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He was born June 3, 1922 in Courtenay, ND. Mr. Banwarth was a World War II veteran and was awarded the Purple Heart and two bronze stars during the European Theater in the 409th Infantry. He was involved in the Honor Flight Michigan and was present for the inaugural flight. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 253 for 63 years and enjoyed model boat building. His survivors include his children, Dwayne Sheryl Banwarth of Royal Oak, Jeffrie Susan Banwarth of Clarkston and Brenda Paul Snapp of Lake Orion; his stepchildren, Janyce Alan Wunderlich, Janie Kenneth Gorczyca, Paula Robert Gulf and Chris Jeff L'Ecuyer; his grandchildren, Ryan Banwarth, Rachel Banwarth, Cameron Banwarth, Benjamin Banwarth, Parker Snapp and Jillian Snapp; his step-grandchildren, Steven Nicole Rix, Kari Matthew Charboneau, Tracy Wunderlich, Keith Gorczyca, Kristy Gorczyca, Erick Gulf, Ellen Andrew Hughes and Austin L'Ecuyer; and his step-great-grandchildren, Cole Charboneau, Kasidy Charboneau, Molly Charboneau, Owen Rix and Carter Gorczyca. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Banwarth.